Shock and sadness have swept across Ireland and Northern Ireland following the sudden deaths of two young people, both of whom attended the Emerge dance music festival in Belfast over the weekend of August 23 and 24, 2025. The festival, held at the Boucher Road Fields in south Belfast, drew thousands of festivalgoers eager to celebrate music and community. But for the families of 17-year-old Mia Keevan from Tipperary and 24-year-old Trae Keenan from Newcastle, Co Down, the weekend ended in tragedy.
According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Mia Keevan became unwell during the festival on Sunday. She was transported to hospital, where she sadly died. The PSNI confirmed her death on Sunday, August 24, and stated that an investigation into the circumstances is ongoing. Superintendent Allister Hagan, Belfast District Commander, told reporters, "During the event it was reported that a 17-year-old girl had become unwell. Sadly, she subsequently died in hospital. Police remained on the event site until Monday afternoon, 25 August. An investigation in order to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragic sudden death of this young person is ongoing, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased."
Mia's death has left her hometown of Carrick-on-Suir in mourning. Tipperary county councillor David Dunne described the local reaction: "There is a great shock and sadness in the community and our hearts go out to the family, and we will rally behind them as we always do." Friends and family have paid tribute to Mia's vibrant spirit. Sarah Roche, a close friend, organized an online fundraiser to support the Keevan family with unexpected costs. She wrote, "We are heartbroken to share the passing of Mia. A bright, fun and much loved girl who touched the hearts of anyone that knew her. Mia was such an outgoing person and lit up every room she walked into. Her laughter and warmth will never be forgotten by those lucky enough to have known her."
The festival also saw two other attendees hospitalized after becoming unwell. Police confirmed that a woman in her 30s remains in serious but stable condition, while a teenage boy received treatment and is expected to make a full recovery. The PSNI reported that seven arrests were made over the two days of the event, though no details have yet been released regarding the nature of those arrests. As investigations continue, the police have urged the public not to speculate about the circumstances of the incidents.
Belfast city councillor Micky Murray has been outspoken in his response to the tragedy, calling for an urgent meeting with Emerge festival organizers and city council officials. "This is utterly heartbreaking news, and my sincere condolences are with the loved ones of the young individual who has tragically lost their life in these circumstances," Murray said. He added, "I also wish for a full and speedy recovery for the other individuals who have been taken to the hospital and are reported to have attended the festival as well. Festivals are meant to be safe spaces for people to celebrate their love of music and express themselves, no one expects such a tragic incident to occur in this environment. The circumstances of the situation remain unclear, and as a representative on Belfast City Council, I have requested an urgent meeting with Council officers and representatives from Emerge festival. I urge people not to speculate, as the police have stated that enquiries are still ongoing."
As the community grapples with Mia's loss, a second tragedy has compounded the grief. Trae Keenan, a 24-year-old father from Newcastle, Co Down, also died suddenly after attending the Emerge festival. According to police and family accounts, Trae had not been ill at the event on Saturday, August 23. He returned to an apartment at the Victoria Place complex in Wellwood Street, south Belfast, which he had rented with friends. On Sunday morning, however, he became unwell. Police and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service were called to the apartment, but Trae suffered a cardiac arrest following a panic attack and died at Royal Victoria Hospital.
Trae was remembered by his family as a "cherished father" and "dearly beloved son." A family notice described him as "dearly beloved son of Pamela and John and cherished father of Mason, loving brother of Shanice, Tyler, Claire, and Toni and loving partner of Tiffany, uncle to Harper and Fiadh, grandson of Gerry and Geraldine." The family added, "Trae will be sadly missed by all those who knew him, his nieces, nephews, the entire family circle, friends, neighbours and the parish community." His funeral Mass is scheduled for Friday, August 29, at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Newcastle, with burial to follow at St Patrick’s Cemetery, Bryansford.
The PSNI confirmed that they attended the address in Wellwood Street on Sunday morning in support of ambulance colleagues. "A man aged in his 20s was taken to hospital, and later died. Enquiries are ongoing and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course," said a police spokesperson.
The Emerge festival, which has quickly grown into one of Belfast's most popular summer events, is now at the center of a safety review. Police have stated they will continue to work closely with event organizers and the licensing authority to ensure that such events remain safe and enjoyable for all. Superintendent Hagan emphasized, "Police will continue to work closely with event organisers and the licensing authority to ensure that events remain safe and enjoyable for all of those who attend."
Meanwhile, the festival organizers have yet to issue a public statement. The city council and local representatives are pushing for answers and a review of protocols, hoping to prevent such tragedies in the future. Councillor Murray and others have stressed the importance of thorough investigations and responsible communication, urging the public to avoid speculation while facts are still emerging.
For the communities of Carrick-on-Suir and Newcastle, the losses of Mia Keevan and Trae Keenan have been deeply felt. As friends, family, and neighbors gather to support one another, their stories have become a somber reminder of the fragility of life, even in moments meant for joy and celebration. The ongoing investigations may yet shed light on the circumstances, but for now, the focus remains on honoring the memories of two young lives cut tragically short.
